Archive for January, 2010

United Way Hunger Challenge a Daily Reality for Many

  I’m three days into the United Way Hunger Challenge and I have $59.83 left to spend.  Good thing too, since tonight is Jonas’ birthday, and I have to at least make it somewhat special, which led me down an entirely different train of thought.  We agreed to do this challenge despite having several events (like [ READ MORE ]

Gourmet on the Cheap for $90 a Week

  As many of you know, I’m participating in the United Way Hunger Action challenge this week.  What does this mean? Well, since I have a family of three, in Washington State we would qualify for $18 per day in food stamps.  The goal of the challenge is to try and live on that amount for [ READ MORE ]

Quince Amuse Bouche + Coq au Vin = Love & Kittens

Got a multi-day Coq au Vin simmering away in the Le Creuset? Need a quick amuse bouche to wow your guests while you’re putting the finishing touches on the wine-soaked coq? Do I ever have the perfect little niblet for you.  Brace yourselves, I’m rolling around in the quince paste again, people.  I can’t get [ READ MORE ]

I Wish Key Lime Pie Could Cure Cancer

  In less than three weeks I’m headed to the bright lights and bustle of New York Citeeee, yee haw!  Ok, in my head that line made much more sense than it does on the page, you have to hear the drawled out vowels and hick-like voice for it to resonate.  Anyway, I’m headed there because [ READ MORE ]

Quail Egg Raviolone aka Inverted Carbonara

  I’m on a bit of a pasta kick these days that involves putting the egg on the inside.  A few months back I made a duck egg raviolo appetizer that complemented the fresh white Alba truffle I shaved over it perfectly.  Now that the Alba truffle season is passed and my inner foodie snob will [ READ MORE ]

Mediterranean Branzino Sous Vide in a Lemongrass Coconut Milk Bath

  This is another one of those culture combining posts.  Be warned if you don’t think a Seattle sparrow should fly to Greece by way of Thailand in order to rassle up dinner for the evening.  You know it, I know it, I’m going sous vide crazy right now. It’s a culinary trend that’s sweeping the [ READ MORE ]